Being part of a mobile game creation process has been eye-opening and intriguing. I’m still a bit intimidated though, but less than I was just 9 months ago.
…
As you probably know already, on Thanksgiving Day last week we released our first-ever app on the App Store. It’s an iPhone/iPad game called Holiday Decorate!. It was designed for people with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.
From 0 to Tech in 9 Months…
This has been a lengthy process, starting as far back as April of this year with the inception of our A&L blog. If you will recall, I was so NOT a “techie” by anyone’s generous definition! I think the best term for me might be “technologically challenged.” And this is not because I’m a 65-year-old Grandmother. It’s because I’ve just never really been drawn to shiny tech gadgets and things.
However, now that I’m retired, I’m up for a challenge and new adventures, so I thought I’d give this new venture a try. First, my daughter tutored me in basic computer skills. She then persuaded me to put aside my pen and paper and to use the “document icon at the bottom of the screen” [Editor’s Note: Google Docs]. Up until this time, I had only used the computer at my local library with some assistance from the volunteers there…Okay, I confess they did like 98%!
My biggest surprise was when my daughter gifted me with my very own laptop. It’s a cute little machine and easy to use. [Editor’s Note: It’s a ChromeBook, in case you were looking for a very user-friendly computer for someone with tech-phobia.] And it’s very convenient just “to google” info for my theme-based articles right here in my apartment. The perfect example is all the vast research material available on the web pertaining to Alzheimer’s/dementia.
A&L Studio
My youngest daughter is, and I say this without too much bias, our Tech Master on the team! She does the game artwork and coding by herself. I can only imagine the stress and frustration of getting a game to work on an iPhone or iPad! Where I come in is during “product design.” As a caregiver to my mother during her years living with Alzheimer’s, I advise on the needs of our intended audience. I do aim to become more involved in the technical side of things in the future. Being part of a mobile game creation process has been eye-opening and intriguing. I’m still a bit intimidated though, but less than I was just 9 months ago.
I feel we have, as a new blog and even newer tech studio, come a long way in a short time. I know I have enjoyed the ride so far, and look forward to growing even more in the near future.
Together, let’s age boldly,
Bernadette
Go back to the beginning of A&L Studio. Read this article: “Introducing ‘A&L Studio’ and Tech Thursday”
Feature Image Credit: Jan Vasek